Smile ID, Africa’s leading biometric and identity verification provider, has launched Enhanced SmartSelfie™, an upgrade designed to combat rising digital fraud.
The technology uses dynamic liveness challenges, like random facial movements, to verify identities and prevent advanced spoofing.
Why it matters
Fraud is skyrocketing across Africa’s financial sectors.
- In Nigeria, fraud losses reached N42.6 billion between April and June 2024, surpassing total losses for 2023.
- South Africa’s digital banking sector saw a 45% rise in fraud cases in 2023, leading to a 47% increase in financial losses.
- Kenya reported a $2.1 million debit card fraud incident at one of its leading banks.
This surge in fraud highlights the urgent need for robust biometric solutions.
How it works
Enhanced SmartSelfie™ builds on Smile ID’s liveness detection with machine-learning-driven challenges.
- Users perform random facial actions, such as turning their head or making gestures, thwarting attempts to bypass systems with photos, videos, or 3D masks.
- The solution is compatible across Smile ID’s biometric products, including KYC and document verification.
The milestone
Enhanced SmartSelfie™ is ISO/IEC 30107-3:2023 Level 2 certified—the gold standard for biometric liveness detection.
- The system achieved a 0% penetration rate against advanced spoofing attempts like deepfakes and 3D masks.
What they’re saying
“Fraudsters constantly adapt, and so do we,” said Mark Straub, CEO of Smile ID. “Enhanced SmartSelfie™ gives businesses a secure tool to verify identities, reducing fraud while maintaining a seamless user experience.”
The bottom line
Smile ID’s technology is tailored for Africa, optimized for low-bandwidth conditions, and budget-friendly devices.
With fraud rising, Enhanced SmartSelfie™ offers businesses a powerful way to stay secure without sacrificing usability.
